Dipavali

The following two verses explain the significance of Dipavali (the festival of lights):



The demon Naraka (ego) who rules hell, (having)

The notion that I am this body, --

"Where is this demon?" enquiring thus

With the discus of jnana, Narayana

Destroys the demon. And this day

Is Naraka-chaturdasi.



Shining as the Self in glory

After slaying Naraka,

The sinner vile who suffered much

Because he deemed as "I" the wretched

Home of pains, the body of flesh --

this is the festival of light,

Dipavali.



(Translated by Prof. K. Swaminathan)

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